Alleged drug dealer facing 65 years in prison waives right to speedy trial

Raymond White, of Lima, who prosecutors labeled as a major drug offender, appeared in Allen County Common Pleas Court Thursday to waive his right to a speedy trial.

J Swygart | The Lima News

LIMA – A Lima man facing up to 65 years in prison on an assortment of drug-related charges agreed Thursday to waive his constitutionally-guaranteed right to a speedy trial.

Raymond White, 46, was indicted April 12 by an Allen County grand jury on charges of trafficking in cocaine with a major drug offender specification, a first-degree felony; two counts of possession of cocaine, with specifications including the designation as a major drug offender, a firearm specification and other specifications calling for the forfeiture of a weapon and cash in a drug case, a first degree felony; two counts of having weapons while under disability, third-degree felonies; possession of cocaine with specifications for the forfeiture of weapons and cash in a drug case, a first-degree felony; and tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony.

According to statements by an investigator with the Lima Police Department, on March 6 officers spoke with an informant who said most crack cocaine in the city was being supplied by “Shorty,” an “older black male … who drove a white Buick.” Police recognized the individual as Raymond White, according to court documents.

The informant made a call to White, which was recorded by police, and ordered six bags of crack, each weighing six grams. A short while later, a white Buick reportedly left White’s home, which was under police surveillance.

An Allen County sheriff’s deputy made a traffic stop and, even though a K-9 dog “alerted” on White’s vehicle, no illicit drugs were found in the vehicle. White was taken to jail and booked on suspicion of possession of cocaine.

A brief time later, a search of the sheriff’s cruiser used to transport White revealed a paper bag with suspected crack cocaine had been left on the floor of the cruiser. The car video showed White taking a bag from his groin area and dropping it to the floor.

During his court appearance on Thursday, Judge David Cheney set at Sept. 4 jury trial for White.

Raymond White, of Lima, who prosecutors labeled as a major drug offender, appeared in Allen County Common Pleas Court Thursday to waive his right to a speedy trial.

https://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2018/05/web1_Raymond-WHite-MDO.jpgRaymond White, of Lima, who prosecutors labeled as a major drug offender, appeared in Allen County Common Pleas Court Thursday to waive his right to a speedy trial. J Swygart | The Lima News